If you intend to pursue full-time studies in the United States, F-1 student status is necessary. If you are currently in the United States in another non-immigrant status, there are two ways to obtain F-1 student status.
1: Admission
To get started, please contact an admissions representative. Our friendly staff speaks many languages; please ask for someone who speaks your native language. Alternatively, you can fill out our application form and our advisers will contact you.
2: Documents for Admission
Copy of Passport (should be valid for at least 2 months beyond your intended period of study in the United States)
Entry Visa (in passport)
I-94 (Arrival/departure record) Print out I-94
DS-2019 form (only for J-1 students)
Financial evidence that shows you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended stay (translated into English). The financial documents are the most important factor for an F-1 student visa.
Copy of High School or University Diploma (translated into English)
If you have a spouse and/or children who are going to accompany you while in the US, you will need to provide the following documents in order to submit each dependent’s I-20:
Copy of Passport for each dependent (should be valid for at least 2 months beyond your intended period of study in the United States)
Proof of your relationship to your spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and/or birth certificates translated into English.)
3: School Fees
The following fees are required:
Application Fee: $190
Processing Fee: $200
You can pay online at http://www.solex.edu. (if your application will not be accepted, your fees will be returned)
4: I-20 Form
When school reviews your application to determine that all academic and financial standards for admission have been met, the Designated School Official (DSO) will issue you a SEVIS I-20 form.
5: SEVIS Fee
After you have received your form I-20, you must pay a $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. You may pay online at www.fmjfee.com. Please keep your receipt, and bring it to your visa interview.
6: Mail all documents to the correct USCIS Service Center
To apply for a change to F-1 status in the United States, you must submit the following documents to the USCIS Service center (www.uscis.gov):
Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Form I-20, properly signed by the DSO and by you
Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee
Copy of Passport ID page
Copy of Entry Visa
Arrival/Departure record
Original financial documents (financial evidence that shows you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended stay).
USCIS filing fee $370. You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. You must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Letter from you (It is optional for you to send a letter explaining why you want to change status to F-1. However, a strong letter can help convince USCIS of your temporary intent.)
7: Wait for Approval
You may not start attending school before the application for a change of status has been approved. If USCIS has not adjudicated your change of status at least 15 days before the program start date on your Form I-20, contact the DSO at your new school, and ask to defer attendance.
Remember: You must maintain a valid nonimmigrant status while your Form I-539 change of status application is pending.
8: Report to the school
You need to report to the school immediately after your application for change of status has been approved and do the following to have your SEVIS record registered in SEVIS in a timely fashion:
Bring approval documents from USCIS to your school
Take the placement test
Get your class schedule and make arrangements to pay tuition.
Solexian is authorized under U.S. Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant students.
